Packing a Lunch: Some Product Recommendations

I'm not quite sure how the comments in the previous post went from discussing different philosophies towards finances in the frum community into a discussion about take-out vs. brown bagging lunches. But it makes for a perfect time to point out this really nifty product one of my readers pointed me to: the USB Powered Lunchbox Warmer.

For a bit less than $11, I'd rate this product a potential bargain. If I wasn't working from my home, I'd definitely purchase one. There are other brands out there and I like the idea of being able to take some leftover vegetable soup to work and not having to worry about using the work microwave and wasting disposable bags to double wrap. This type of product is right up my alley. Any reviews?

Another product I absolutely LOVE are the Ziploc plastic divided rectangle containers. I use these for school lunches replacing plastic baggies, plastic wrap, and foil. No need to worry about inventories and shopping when you have these on hand. The square part of the container is sized for a sandwich, wrap, pasta, or a salad. The two side containers are great for cut up fruit or veggies, a hard boiled egg, or a treat. I like to have 2 containers on hand for each lunch taking member of the family. These go through the dishwasher and are relatively inexpensive. Make sure to cut the Ziploc coupons and if you have the $0.55 coupon shop in a store that doubles coupons. I can probably get 2 school years of use from each container, if not more. They stack both in the pantry compactly and on top of each in the refrigerator and on the counter nicely. I've had it with other containers and plan to replace a lot of my Rubbermaid I use for leftovers with the wonderful and large plastic Ziploc rectangle containers over time. That is another fantastic product that has just the right shape.

Fun: A Tuition Solution that is not for the Masses

This tuition solution wouldn't work for us. But if you are from Belgium, you might want to take note.

The Forward reports, "Some 140 years ago, King of the Belgians Leopold II instituted an unusual tradition: The seventh consecutive daughter or son born to a Belgian family gets a special godparent. The queen is responsible for the daughters, and the king gets the sons. To qualify for this honor, the family has to be of good character."

Little Batsheva (an appropriate name if you ask me!) of Riverdale became a goddaughter of the Queen of Belgium on Mother's Day. "The benefits [she will receive include] free education and twice-a-year access to the castle."

I believe that I know Batsheva's aunt, uncle and cousins. I wonder if I will be seeing the 2nd installment of this story in a handful of years.